Italian lakes in winter instead of tourist hustle: the best hotels

By Tychyna TetianaDec 12, 2023 08:34 AMNews
Share:
Italian lakes in winter instead of tourist hustle: the best hotels
Lefay Resort Hotel. Source: booking.com

In summer, the most popular tourist destinations in Italy are crowded with the largest possible number of travelers. Milan and Como are also leading places among them.

The Italian Lakes are a global tourist destination, with busy roads and six-figure room rates. But winter in this part of Italy is a time when locals are less stressed, due to the slowdown in the tourist season, according to a New York Post article.

It is emphasized that in the past, tourists needed to have their villas to visit the most fashionable centers of Italy in the off-season, as most hotels closed for the winter. Now, many remain open all winter thanks to the warming weather.

For example, the classic 150-year-old Villa d'Este stayed open for Christmas last year and will do so again for the first time since it celebrated its millennium in 1999. The Cape of Senses property on Lake Garda opened this summer and will be closed for only three weeks in winter for cleaning. The 18-room Vista Palazzo Lago di Como has also remained open 365 days a year since its debut five years ago.

In turn, the award-winning Passalacqua is not open this winter - but only because the owner is installing an indoor pool with the clear intention of operating year-round in the coming seasons. Moreover, in the summer, a room at Villa d'Este can cost you $2,700 per night, but in December, the same room will cost $850.

Italian lakes in winter instead of tourist hustle: the best hotels
Hotel Passalacqua. Source: Instagram.com/passalacqualakecomo

Tourists are reminded that there are three main lakes in the region worth visiting. The area is characterized by an extremely mild microclimate, usually about 10 degrees warmer than Milan, even in winter. Tourists come here for outdoor recreation focused on wellness.

Another notable property, Lefay Resort, is located in a luxury resort that is open all year round. It is situated on a hill with incredible water views. In winter, it offers rooms from $436, compared to $1090 in summer. For a holiday trip, tourists are offered to visit the artificial ice rink in Peschiera del Garda or the Santa Claus Grotto in Riva del Garda nearby.

Additionally, in Como, tourists are also offered hiking: the best route is an easy 5.5-mile walk up and down the coastal villages, starting in Colonna and heading north to Cadenabbia. Remember that the public boat network also doesn't close for the season, so you can sail around the lake all day for about $20.

Tourists are also advised to visit the classic Oh Bej! market in Castello Sforzesco. This season, a luxurious decorations department is open here. This serves as a reminder that nativity scenes were first shown in Naples. And if you want to spend the night, try Portrait Milano, in the fashion district, a former seminary that has been converted into a luxury hotel with 73 rooms.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM
Brussels Airlines aircraft landing on runway

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM
Aerial view of Benidorm’s beachfront and high-rise skyline on a clear summer day

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM
Flooded railway tracks disappearing into a body of water with overhanging tree branches

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM
Protester with megaphone at strike

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM
Wizz Air aircraft approaching for landing under clear skies

Wizz Air Broadens Budapest Access with New Summer Routes

Mar 26, 2025 19:26 PM